Boy Immolates Himself for Harassment over Being Gay

Agra: A Class XI student set himself on fire at his house in Madia Katra locality of Agra on Sunday after being harassed by neighbours for being gay.

The father of the 15-year-old boy said that few neighbours have seen the boy getting intimate with a male friend in a park and people started teasing and harassing him.

Upset over this, the boy stole diesel from a car, doused and set himself on fire. Later when the residents and family members heard the boy scream as he ran out, they poured water on him, wrapped him up in a blanket and rushed him to a nearby private hospital.

The doctors said that he sustained 40% burns and received severe burns on his legs and chest. "He is unable to speak properly. The doctors say he is out of danger but I will only believe it when my son will talk to me," said the victim's father, who runs a shoe manufacturing business.

The boy is the youngest among the five siblings and scored a distinction in board exam last year. He is currently pursuing higher studies and aspires to become an engineer.